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Guide to what’s on in London during Easter 2019 for both adults and families
Find out what’s on in London over the Easter weekend and school holidays, including family events and activities, Easter egg hunts and even adults-only fun.
This year, the Easter weekend takes place in the middle of April with Good Friday on 19th and the Easter Bank Holiday on 22nd. As ever, this religious holiday coincides with at least two weeks of school holidays, so there will be plenty of parents looking for ways to occupy their children. To many people, Easter is associated with chocolate, so expect to see the mighty cocoa bean dominating menus and events over the period. Fortunately, Easter isn’t just for kids, there’s an adults-only guide to offers and events at the bottom.
Here’s Metro Girl’s guide to what’s on in London over the Easter period.
- 30 March – 29 April : George Irvin’s Funfairs
Travelling funfairs will be setting up camp at Crystal Palace Park (30 Mar – 14 Apr), Clapham Common (5 – 28 Apr), Hampton Court (19 – 23 Apr) and Shepherd’s Bush Green (5 – 22 Apr) over the Easter break. Rides include Big Apple Coaster, Dodgems, Bungee Trampolines, Tea Cups, Waltzer, Inflatable Slide and Carousel, among many others. For more information, visit the Irvin Leisure website.
- 6 – 22 April : Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt @ Hampton Court Palace
Hunt for the Lindt gold chocolate bunny in the house and gardens at Hampton Court. Other family activities include a digital adventure around the palace, the magic garden and maze and workshops. Tickets (events inc with general admission): Adults from £21.30, Children from £10.70. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU. Nearest station: Hampton Court (36 minutes from Waterloo). For more information, visit the Historic Royal Palaces website.
- 6 – 22 April : Easter @ Battersea Park Zoo
Take part in a host of Easter-themed activities, including an Easter Egg hunt, hedgehog day, honey bee day, cocoa fun day and a host of other events. Open 10am-4.30pm. Visitors can purchase a £1.50 (including prize) quiz sheet upon entry and follow the trail. General admission: Adults £9.95, Children 2-15 yrs £7.95. Battersea Park Zoo, Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park. For more information, visit the Battersea Park Zoo website.
- 6 – 22 April : Easter @ WWT London Wetland Centre
Take part in Dusty’s Giant Easter Duck Hunt, enjoy a spot of pond dipping, a Wild Play session and Animal Track Detectives. 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults from £11.70, Children 4-16 yrs from £7.93. London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest station: Barnes or Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the London Wetland Centre website.
- 6 – 22 April : Easter @ Kew
Check out the beautiful gardens and attractions of Kew, as well as other activities. Including the Tower of Colour, Sunday Stories, Log Trail, Woodland Walk and Giant Badger Sett. Free to take part with normal admission. Tickets: Adults from £16.50/£18, Children 4-16yrs from £4.50/£6, Under 4s free. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information and tickets, visit the Kew Gardens website.
The beauty of spring at Kew Garden
- 8 – 22 April : Easter @ National Army Museum
Over the Easter holidays, the museum will offer a variety of family activities, including make your own cap badge, tiny troopers (posters), digital poster design and poster printing. 10am-5.30pm. Free. National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HT. Nearest station: Sloane Square. For more information, visit the National Army Museum website.
- 10 – 17 April : Hotel Chocolat Easter Eggs-travaganza @ London Eye
Enjoy an Easter experience on the London Eye with Hotel Chocolat. Including fast track entry, Hotel Chocolat tasting guide and Q&A session, 30 minute rotation, soft drink and Hotel Chocolat Easter goodie bag. Tickets: Adults £35, Children £28. London Eye, South Bank, SE1 7PB. Nearest station: Waterloo, Westminster or Lambeth North. For booking, visit the London Eye website.
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2019
Find out what’s on in London in April, including family fun, the London Marathon, St George’s Day and more.
Spring is in the air!
Spring is in full swing! With the weather improving, the capital is hosting some of its famous sporting events, such as the London Marathon and Oxbridge Boat Race. Around town, there’s plenty of free family festivals, such as St George’s Day, while arts festival Underbelly returns to the South Bank. The Easter Holidays are also taking place so except lots of family events on around London.
Check out what’s on in London over Easter weekend and school holidays for adults and children.
- Now until 1 April : BFI Flare
The British Film Institute hosts the 11 day festival of LGBTQ+ film featuring 50 features, over 80 shorts, special events, guest appearances, club nights. Ticket prices vary. BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, SE1 8XT. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the BFI website.
- 2 – 14 April : London Games Festival
An event to promote gaming and interactive entertainment, including the Games Finance Market, EGX Rezzed (4-6 April), the Now Play This exhibition, BAFTA Games Awards, industry talks, cosplay parade (6 April) and more. For more information, visit the Games London website.
- 3 April : Locale Firenze pop-up @ Quaglino’s
Italian drinking and dining destination il Locale Firenze comes to St James for one-night only. Taking over Quaglino’s, Locale Firenze will bring some of their best cocktails to Londoners to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Negroni. From 5pm. Quaglino’s, 16 Bury Street, St. James’s, SW1Y 6AJ. Nearest station: Green Park. For more information, visit the Quaglino’s website.
- 4 – 6 April : Cocktails In The City
Three-day extravaganza featuring some of London’s best cocktails bars coming together in the arches underneath Waterloo station. A host of pop-up bars, tasting flights, bar battles, champagne cocktails, Tasting Rooms and new sensory cocktail adventures will be spread across the tunnels underneath Waterloo station. Open 6pm-12am. Ticket: £20 includes 1 cocktail and cocktail booklet. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, SE1 7NN. Nearest stations: Waterloo or Lambeth North. For booking, visit the Cocktails In The City website. See Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.
- 4 – 6 April : The Creative Craft Show
An event for stitchers, sewers and hobbycrafters, featuring workshops, demonstrations and talks. Open Thu and Fri: 10am-4.30pm, Sat: 10am-5pm. Tickets: Adults £5-£15, Seniors £4.50-£13.50. ExCel, Royal Victoria Dock, Docklands, E16 1XL. Nearest station: Prince Regent (DLR). For more information, visit the show’s official website.
- 4 – 7 April : Roy’s People Art Fair
This fair aims to make art more affordable and accessible. Meet and buy direct from the artists, take part in workshops and check out installations. Open Thur 5pm–8.30pm, Fri 2pm-8pm, Sat 12pm–6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. Free. At Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, SE1 9PH. Nearest station: Waterloo, Blackfriars or Southwark. For more information, visit the Roy’s People Art Fair website. See Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.
- 4 – 7 April : Number 90 Bar & Kitchen’s 5th Birthday Party
Canalside drinking and dining destination Number 90 are hosting a weekend of festivities for their 5th birthday. Open Thu and Sun 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-6am. Free entry. Number 90 Bar & Kitchen, 90 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN. Nearest station: Hackney Wick. For more information, visit the Number 90 website. See Metro Girl’s blog post for more information.
- 5 April – 29 September : Underbelly Festival
Summer-long arts festival on the South Bank, featuring comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in the inflatable upside down cow venue, international street food, open-air bar. Festival grounds open daily until 11pm. Ticket prices for show vary, but a majority are between £10-£20, free entry to festival grounds. Jubilee Gardens (off Belvedere Road), South Bank, SE1 8XX. Nearest station: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Underbelly Festival website.
The Underbelly Festival is back on the South Bank
- Now until 7 April : Ideal Home Show
A place of inspiration for homeowners including interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house and food. Celebrity guests and experts include Phil Spencer, Nick Knowles, David Domoney, Lisa Faulkner, Rosemary Shrager, Joe Swift, Anna Jacobs, James Wong, May Simpkin and many more. Open daily 10am-6pm (Thurs lates until 9pm). Tickets: Weekday £14-£20 or Weekend £14-£17 (also includes free access to the Eat & Drink Festival). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.
- Now until 7 April : Eat & Drink Festival
Next door to the Ideal Home Show is a new live experience, featuring modern cuisine, mixology and street food. Learn from the best at the Foodie Lab, Chef’s Table and Cook’s Academy. Tickets: Weekday £14-£20, Weekend £16 (also includes free access to Ideal Home Show). Olympia, Hammersmith Road, Kensington, W14 8UX. Nearest station: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the Eat & Drink Festival website.
- Now until 7 April : Lost Lagoon
Bompas & Parr have created an immersive, subterranean journey inspired by the world’s most famous buccaneer Captain Henry Morgan. Expect whirlpool cocktail station, beach-inspired food and entertainment. Tickets: £20-£30. West 12 shopping centre, Shepherd’s Bush, W12 8PP. Nearest station: Shepherd’s Bush. For booking, visit the Lost Lagoon website. Read the rest of this entry
Egg-cellent guide to what’s on in London this Easter 2016
There’s plenty going on in London this Easter
It may not feel very spring-like, but the new season is well and truly upon us with the start of the Easter Holidays. With parents searching for ways to entertain their children, a host of London attractions have curated special activities over the break. My monthly ‘what’s on guides’ include many activities on in the capital during March and April, however for those looking for more family and Easter-centric ideas of what’s on during the holidays, here’s listings of things to keep you occupied. However, it’s not all for the kids, with a special section at the bottom with adults-only Easter fun over the Bank Holiday weekend.
For a guide to what else is on in London in April, click here.
Family fun
- 18 – 28 March : Find Your London Festival
An 11 day festival celebrating the capital’s outdoor spaces, from gardens to parks, high streets to marketplaces. Featuring over 100 events, including yoga in the park, cycle trails, treasure hunts, beekeeping and an Alice in Wonderland Tea Party. For more information, visit London.gov website.
- 19 March – 10 April : Easter @ Kew – Chocolate Sensations with Lindt Gold Bunny
There will be a host of Easter-themed fun at Kew over the holidays, including Lindt Gold Bunny Flavour Trail, Chocolution – bean to bar workshops, story-telling, face-painting and more. Tickets (regular entrance): Adults: £14, Children £3.50. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest station: Kew Gardens. For more information and tickets, visit the Kew Gardens website.
- 19 March – 10 April : Easter @ Design Museum
Over Easter, the Design Museum will be hosting a series of family-friendly events around the Cycle Revolution exhibition, including Pedal Powered Cinema, Colouring Competition and an Easter Egg Hunt. Tickets (general entrance): Adult £13.65, Children £6.85. Design Museum, 28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD. Nearest station: London Bridge or Tower Hill. For tickets, visit the Design Museum website.
- 19 March – 10 April : Where’s Wally @ View From The Shard
Kids can search for explorers Wally, Wenda, Woof, Wizard Whitebeard and Odlaw as they explore the viewing platforms at View From The Shard. From 10am until sunset. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children): £74.95 (advance) or £79.95 (on the door). The View From The Shard, Joiner Street, SE1 9SP. Nearest station: London Bridge. For more information, visit the View From The Shard website. For Metro Girl’s review of View From The Shard, click here.
- 24 March – 2 April : My First Ballet – Sleeping Beauty
Introduce your child to ballet with the English National Ballet and English National Ballet School production of this classic fairytale. Performance times vary. Tickets: £10-£25. Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2A 2HT. Nearest station: Holborn or Temple. For more information and booking, visit the Sadler’s Wells website.
- 24 March – 10 April : George Irvin’s Funfairs
Travelling funfairs will be setting up camp at Shepherds Bush Green (24 Mar – 10 Apr), Hampton Court (25 – 29 Mar), Clapham Common (25 Mar – 10 Apr) and Crystal Palace (1 – 10 Apr) over the Easter break. Rides include Big Apple Coaster, Dodgems, Bungee Trampolines, Tea Cups, Waltzer, Inflatable Slide and Carousel, among many others. For more information, visit the Irvin Leisure website.
- 25 – 28 March : Easter Egg Hunt @ Battersea Park Zoo
Find out what zoo animals will be holding Easter eggs? Visitors can purchase a £1.50 (including prize) quiz sheet upon entry and follow the trail. General admission: Adults £8.95, Children 2-15 yrs £6.95. Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park. For more information, visit the Battersea Park Zoo website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2016
Spring is in the air!
Spring is here… apparently! With the winter weather hopefully approaching an end, the festival season is finally starting to kick off. Towards the end of the month is Easter and school holidays, so London will really start to wake up after the winter lull. Don’t forget its Mother’s Day on 6 March so there’s some fun festivals taking place over the weekend to enjoy with your family.
For a special Easter guide to what’s on in London for both families and adults-only, click here.
- Now until 1 March : View Festival
Three day festival of art history, featuring debates, talks, film screenings, student presentations, exclusive museum tours and an art book fair. Some events are free, while others cost up to £10. Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, SW7 2DT. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the View Festival website.
- 2 – 4 March : London Drinker Beer & Cider Festival
CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) North London host a beer and cider festival. As well as over 150 beers, ciders and perries to choose from, there is also food and stalls selling merchandise. Open Wed-Thur 12-3pm & 5-10.30pm, Fri 12-10.30pm. Tickets: Free on Wed and Thurs lunchtimes, £4 (£3 for CAMRA members) all other times. Camden Centre, Bidborough Street, WC1H 9AU. Nearest station: King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information visit the CAMRA North London website.
- 3 – 6 March : Asia House Fair
The Asia House Fair is returning for the eighth year, with stallholders selling unique handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, homeware, clothes, accessories, gifts, art and food. There will also be an exhibition of Asian art and embroidery exhibition in the Asia House Gallery. Opening hours: Thu 3 – 5-8.30pm, Fri 4 – 11am-7pm, Sat 5 – 11am-6pm, Sun 6 – 11am-5pm. Free entry. Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, W1G 7LP. Nearest station: Regents’ Park, Oxford Circus or Great Portland Street. For more information, visit the Asia House website.
- 4 – 5 March : Shakespeare Son et Lumière
A light and sound show projected on the façade of Guildhall to mark the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. While you watch 3D projection mapping technology, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama will perform a special music composition. There will also be Shakespeare-themed cocktails and the rare chance to view Shakespeare’s signature on his mortgage deed and the Guildhall Library’s copy of the First Folio. 6.45pm – 8.45pm (20-minute loop) last show commencing 8.15pm approx. Free entry. Guildhall Yard, City of London, EC2V. Nearest station: St Paul’s. For more information, visit the City Of London website.
Watch a light and sound show projected on the façade of Guildhall
- Now until 5 March : Asia House Film Festival
A diverse programme of 19 films that includes several European premieres and UK premieres. 11 feature films, three documentaries and five short films coming out of countries including Japan, China, Kazakhstan, Myanmar and Afghanistan. Venues include Ham Yard Hotel, Regent Street Cinema, The Cinema Museum and Asia House. For more information, visit Asia House website.
- 5 – 20 March : Telegraph Hill Festival
Arts and entertainment festival in South East London, including a production of Guys & Dolls, classical concert, open studios, art shows, interactive exhibits, classes, workshops, talks, literary events, plays, performance art and music events. Lots of events are free, but some will cost. At various venues across New Cross, Nunhead, Hatcham, Brockley and Honor Oak. For more information, visit the Telegraph Hill festival website.
- 5 March – 2 April : Hung Up, Ripped Off @ Atom Gallery
An exhibition of artist David Shand’s screenprints of collages from photographs of decayed photos and adverts. Open 11am-6pm. Atom Gallery, 77 Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park, N4 3EG. Nearest station: Finsbury Park. For more information, visit the Atom Gallery website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2015
Spring is here!
Spring is (hopefully) in full swing and with Easter Holidays kicking off at the beginning of the month, there’s plenty going on both during and after the school holidays. With the hope of warmer weather, some events and festivals are starting to venture outside. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for some balmier weather.
- 30 March – 12 April : Chorus Festival
Festival celebrating singing as a group, featuring concerts, warm-ups and workshops. Tickets range from free to £38. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- 2 – 5 April : London International Ska Festival
Four day festival of ska music featuring Lee Scratch Perry, Steel Pulse, Derrick Harriot, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Rico Rodriguez, Freddie Notes and Sir Horace Upton Collective (from The Specials) among others, at venues across the capital, including the Jazz Café and the Forum. Wristbands for the whole festival £141, individual gigs range from £5 to £25. For more information and tickets, visit the London International Ska Festival website.
- 2 – 5 April : Le Beat Bespoke Festival
Indoor music festival returns celebrating 21st Century Modernist and Sixties inspired underground music culture. Featuring live bands, DJs, record fair, market, guest clubs, all-nighters and Go Go dancers. Tickets: Individual gig tickets vary, or 3 day pass £53, 4 day pass £61. 229 The Venue, 229 Great Portland Street, W1W 5PN. Nearest station: Great Portland Street or Oxford Circus. For more information, visit Le Beat Bespoke website.
- Now until 6 April : Ideal Home Show
A place of inspiration for homeowners including interiors, fittings and gardens. Includes plenty of opportunities to buy things both big and small for the house and food. Celebrity ambassadors in attendance include Alan Titchmarsh. Gregg Wallace, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, George Clarke, Katie Piper, Martin Lewis, and Suzi Perry. Tickets: Adults £12 (weekday) or £14 (weekend). Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX. Nearest tube/overland: Kensington Olympia. For more information and tickets, visit the Ideal Home Show website.
- 9 April – 19 July : Udderbelly Festival
The Udderbelly cow returns to the Southbank
Udderbelly returns to the Southbank for a seventh year, featuring three months of comedy, circus, cabaret and family shows at affordable prices in an inflatable upside down cow venue. Jubilee Gardens, off Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and tickets, visit the Udderbelly website.
- 10 April : Spicy Friday – Friday Late @ Museum Of Brands
Late night adults-only opening of the Museum Of Brands, with spicy being the theme this month. Discover sauces, test your chili tolerance. Entrance includes free drink on arrival, themed cocktails, drinks and snacks, live entertainment and a spicy Time Tunnel trail. Tickets; £10. Museum Of Brands, 2 Colville Mews, off Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill, W11 2AR. Nearest tube: Notting Hill Gate. For more information and booking, visit the Museum Of Brands website.
- 10 April : Historic Punch gets Medieval
Late night event at the British Library, featuring Historic Punch, the salon of conversation, expert talks, and gin-laced concoctions as guests explore the quirkier aspects of Medieval life. 6.30-9.30pm. Tickets: £25. The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Nearest station: Euston, St Pancras or King’s Cross. For more information and booking, visit the British Library website.
- 11 April : Oxbridge Boat Race
Watch the historic annual boat race between the Cambridge and Oxford University crews. Thousands will line the banks between Putney Bridge and Mortlake to watch the action. Starts at 5.55pm. Free. Nearest stations: Putney Bridge, Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park, Stamford Brook, East Putney, Barnes Bridge or Chiswick. For more information, visit the Boat Race website.
Easter fun for children AND parents at The Royal Horseguards Hotel and Hotel Chocolat’s Terrace Chapters
Hotel Chocolat will providing chocolatey treats for the Easter Egg hunt
Many Easter activities see the parents standing back and watching while their kids have all the fun. However, The Royal Horseguards Hotel will be offering a good time for both adults and children as part of their new Terrace Chapters.
The historic five-star hotel has teamed up with chocolate connoisseurs Hotel Chocolat to open ‘Chapter One’ on their terrace this Easter Sunday (5 April). Hosted by Beau Bunny, children will spend the afternoon Easter egg hunting for Hotel Chocolat treats, which can be taken home.
Meanwhile, their parents can sip their complimentary arrival glass of champagne while enjoying the stunning view of the River Thames and the London Eye from the outdoor terrace.
The action takes place from 12pm on Easter Sunday with just 30 places, so email ASAP for your chance to take part (details below).
After Easter, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a chocolate picnic on the terrace, where you can sample Hotel Chocolat goodies or warm up with a cocoa gin cocktail.
- The Terrace, The Royal Horseguards Hotel, 2 Whitehall Court, SW1A 2EJ. Nearest station: Charing Cross or Embankment. To take part, email your name, address, phone number and number of tickets you would like with the subject ‘FAMILY EASTER HUNT’ to: invite.rhg@guoman.co.uk. (T&Cs are available on The Royal Horseguards Hotel Facebook page. Don’t forget to tell The Royal Horseguards Hotel if you would rather not receive emails about special offers and promotions. For more information, visit the Guoman Hotels’ website.
Parents can relax in the terrace and sip champagne while their children are occupied
© The Royal Horseguards Hotel
For a guide to what else is on in London this Easter for families and adults, click here.
Choco-tastic guide to what’s on in London this Easter 2015
Ready to stuff your face with chocolate? © Sister72 on Flickr
Easter Holidays means different things to people – chocolate, bunnies, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and two bank holidays. However, to many parents and guardians it also means – eek, how do we keep the children entertained for two weeks?
My monthly ‘what’s on guides’ include many activities on in London during April, however for those looking for more family and Easter-centric ideas of what’s on during the holidays, I’ve put together listings of things to keep you occupied. However, it’s not all for the kids, with a special section at the bottom with adults-only Easter fun.
For a guide to what else is on in London this month, click here.
Family fun
- 27 March – 12 April : Clapham Common Easter Funfair
A host of funfair rides will be descending on Clapham Common, including Big Apple Coaster, Dodgems, Bungee Trampolines, Tea Cups, Waltzer, Inflatable Slide and Carousel, among many others. 12-9pm. Wristbands: £8.99 for riders over 1metre tall, £6.99 for those under 1metre, which includes free rides within three-hour slots. Clapham Common, Windmill Drive, SW4 9AR. Nearest station: Clapham Common, Clapham South or Clapham Junction. For more information, visit the Irving Leisure website.
- 28 March – 5 April : Easter Egg Hunt @ Battersea Park Zoo
Find out what zoo animals will be holding Easter eggs? Visitors can purchase a £1 (including prize) quiz sheet upon entry and follow the trail. General admission: Adults £8.95, Children 2-15 yrs £6.95. Battersea Park, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea, SW11 4NJ. Nearest station: Battersea Park. For more information, visit the Battersea Park Zoo website.
- 28 March – 10 April : Spring Holidays @ Museum Of Childhood
Various activities are taking place over the Easter holidays, including make your own paper houses and story workshops. Admission is free. Museum Of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PA. Nearest tube: Bethnal Green. For more information, visit the Museum Of Childhood website.
- 28 March – 12 April : Shaun The Sheep @ Kew Gardens
Aardman’s famous woolly character Shaun The Sheep is the theme of this year’s Easter activities at Kew Gardens. As well as visits from real sheep, there will also be springtime trail, welly wanging, face-painting, chocolate workshops and an Easter Egg hunt on 5 April. Tickets (general entrance): Adults £15, Children 16 and under free. Activities vary in cost from free to £5. Kew Gardens, Brentford Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest tube: Kew Gardens. For more information and tickets, visit the Kew Gardens website.
- 28 March – 12 April : Death By Chocolate @ London Dungeon
Celebrate Easter with the kids at The London Dungeons
© Merlin Entertainments
If you dare, risk ‘death by chocolate’ with the deadly Miss Edmonds at her toxic sweet shop. Every guest on the first tour of the Easter holiday period will receive a limited edition box of Miss Edmonds Violent Screams. Tickets: Adults £20.50 (online), Children £16.50 (online), more on the door. London Dungeon, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest tube/train: Waterloo or Westminster. For more information and tickets, visit the London Dungeon website. For Metro Girl’s review of London Dungeon, click here.
- 28 March – 12 April : Easter @ WWT London Wetland Centre
The London Wetland Centre are hosting several activities over Easter including a giant Easter duck hunt and decorate a duckling. Some activities include a £1 donation. General admission tickets: Adult £11.48, 4-16 years £6.30, family tickets £32. London Wetland Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest train station: Barnes or Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the London Wetland Centre website.
- 28 March – 25 May : Shaun In The City Art Trail
Fifty 5ft tall sculptures of Shaun The Sheep will be cropping up around London for two months. High profile artists, designers and celebrities have customised the giant sculptures, which will be scattered across the capital, in locations such as Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Carnaby Street, St Paul’s Cathedral, Chinatown, The View from The Shard and The Tower of London. For more information, visit the Shaun In The City website. For Metro Girl’s blog post on Shaun In The City, click here.
- 3 April : The Passion of Jesus
The Wintershall Players put on a production of The Passion Of Jesus on Good Friday in Trafalgar Square. There will be two performances at 12pm and 3.15pm. Free. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information, visit the Greater London Authority website.
Guide to what’s on in London in March 2015
Vodafone London Fashion Weekend returns to Somerset House
Spring is on its way thank goodness. It means lighter nights, warmer temperatures and Easter Holidays starting in the last week of March. This month will see lots of festivals and special events for foodies, travel junkies, fashionistas and film buffs. Of course, lots of activities are taking place towards the end in a bid to help harassed parents entertain their little angels over the Easter Holidays. Here’s a guide to what’s on in London this month…
For a special Easter guide to what’s on in London for both families and adults-only, click here.
- 1 March : TNT Travel Show
Exclusive travel deals, top travel companies, inspirational travel seminars and discounts on travel. Tickets: Pre-registration: Free, fast track £2.50, VIP £15. Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, N1 0QH. Nearest tube: Angel. For more information and tickets, visit the TNT Travel Show website.
- 1 – 8 March : WOW: Women Of The World Festival
A festival of talks, debates, music, film and comedy celebrating women. Salma Hayek, Caitlin Moran, Baulkham Hills African Ladies Troupe, Bridget Christie, Shazia Mirza, Sandi Toksvig and Lady Leshurr among the featured names. Events range from free to £40. Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX. Nearest tube: Waterloo. For more information and booking, visit the Southbank Centre website.
- 26 February – 1 March : Vodafone London Fashion Weekend
London Fashion Weekend follows London Fashion Week, giving access to everyone who loves fashion (who has tickets!). Tickets must be bought in advance, which are available for different prices and packages, starting from £20 for the bronze package. Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA. Nearest tube: Temple or Holborn. For more information, visit the London Fashion Weekend website.
- 27 February – 1 March : BBC Good Food Eat Well Show
The inaugural BBC Good Food Eat Well Show comes to Olympia, bringing together healthy food brands, products and producers and featuring book signings, dietitians’ clinic and Eat Well interview stage. Celebrity guests include Phil Vickery, Jenni Falconer, Davinia McCall, Natasha Corrett, Lorraine Pascal and Liz Earle, among others. Open 10am-6pm. Tickets: £15. Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX. Nearest tube/overland: Kensington Olympia. For more information, visit the BBC Good Food Eat Well Show website.
- 27 February – 1 March : View Festival
Three day festival of art history, featuring debates, talks, film screenings, student presentations, exclusive museum tours and an art book fair. Some events are free, while others cost up to £10. Institut Français du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the View Festival website.
- 2 – 31 March : One Good Thing pop-up store
Homeless charity The Connection at St Martin’s is opening a month-long pop-up store in Soho’s Berwick Street, selling designer and vintage fashion, accessories and gifts. Profits will go towards helping the homeless. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-6pm. One Good Thing, 2 Berwick Street, Soho, W1 0PB. Nearest tube: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus. For more information, visit Berwick Street London’s official website. Read Metro Girl’s post on One Good Thing here.
- 3 – 6 March : Devonshire Square World Food Festival
World food market returns to the historic square in between the City and Shoreditch. Twenty stalls will be dishing up delights, including Cheeky Burger, Bull and Rancher, Arepas, Maize Blaze (100% gluten free Colombian dishes), Shrimpy, The Mac Factory, and Mark Jankel’s Street Kitchen. Open 12-2pm. Devonshire Square, EC2M. Nearest station: Liverpool Street, Aldgate or Aldgate East. For more information, visit the Devonshire Square website.
Egg-cellent guide to what’s on in London over the Easter holidays 2014
© Sister72 on Flickr
Easter Holidays means many different things to people – chocolate, bunnies, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and two bank holidays. However, to many parents and guardians it also means – eek, how do we keep the children entertained for two weeks?
My monthly ‘what’s on guides’ include many activities on in London during April, however for those looking for more family and Easter-centric ideas of what’s on during the holidays, I’ve put together listings of things to keep you occupied.
For an adults-only Easter activity, read Baileys Feaster Egg Hunt: Time for adults to have some Easter fun!
- 5 – 21 April : Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure @ Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is hosting Charlie And The Chocolate Factory-inspired events for their Easter Festival, including create your own chocolate bar, sing along in the inventing room, go nuts in the nut room and not forgetting the Easter egg hunt on 20 April. Must buy general entrance tickets: Adults £14.50, Children 16 and under (accompanied by an adult) Free. Activities vary in cost from free to £5. Brentford Gate, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB. Nearest tube: Kew Gardens. For more information and tickets, visit the Kew Gardens website.
- 5 – 21 April : Bunnies On The Run @ London Eye
Help Edwin find his missing bunnies and receive a chocolate reward. The experience includes an activity pack, a guided host to assist the mission and a 30 minute ride on the London Eye. Tickets: £24.21pp. Every Saturday and Sunday on the dates mentioned above, Good Friday and Easter Monday. Highly recommended that tickets are bought in advance. Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB. Nearest tube: Waterloo, Westminster or Embankment. For more information and booking, visit the London Eye website. For Metro Girl’s review of the London Eye, click here.
- 5 – 21 April : Easter @ WWT London Wetland Centre
The London Wetland Centre are hosting several activities over Easter including a self-guided spring trail, paint your own egg, pond dipping and see the ducklings. Some activities include a £1 donation. General admission tickets: Adult £12.35, 4-16 years £6.90, family tickets £34.50 for 2 adults, 2 children. Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT. Nearest train station: Barnes or Barnes Bridge. For more information, visit the London Wetland Centre website.
- 7 – 19 April : Easter Adventures @ Kenwood House
The historic Kenwood House is hosting several events for families over the holidays including the chance for a stately portrait and meet Lord Iveagh. Free admission. Opening times: Noon-4pm. Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR. Nearest tube: Archway or Hampstead Heath (overground). For more information, visit the English Heritage website.
- 17 – 20 April : Disney On Ice
Your favourite Disney characters take to the ice for the Worlds Of Fantasy show. Tickets: £24.25-£47.30 per person. Wembley Arena, Engineers Way, HA9 0AA. Nearest tube: Wembley Park. For more information and tickets, visit the Disney On Ice website.
Search for the bunnies on the London Eye
- 18 – 19 April : Family Weekend @ Sadler’s Wells
Two day festival featuring family activities before and after performances of Rapunzel or Deep In The Woods. Tickets must be booked in advance. Tickets £12-£15. Takes place at the Lilian Bayllis studio or main Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R. Nearest tube; Angel. For more information and booking, visit the Sadler’s Wells website. Read the rest of this entry
Guide to what’s on in London in April 2013
The place to be: The Southbank will play host to a lot of festivals and exhibitions (and hopefully some sunshine!)
March was pretty disappointing due to the weather, which unfortunately may have affected the popularity of some outdoor events. However, let’s hope Spring is finally sprung with the arrival of April. Of course, the first two weeks of the month are Easter Holidays so expect a lot of families and children in general at attractions or around town.
- 2 April : Candlelight evening opening at Sir John Soane’s Museum
The former home of 19th century architect Sir John Soane is a treasure trove of sculptures, painting and antiquities which he collected over his lifetime. Once a month, the museum is open on the first Tuesday of the month for an evening candlelight opening Bookings are not taken in advance, with tickets only issued to the first 200 people. Open from 6-9pm, however tickets are issued at 5.30pm. Sir John’s Soane Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP. Nearest tube: Holborn. For more information, visit the Sir John Soane website.
- 6 April : World Pillow Fight Day
Celebrate World Pillow Fight Day by taking a (soft!) pillow you don’t mind being destroyed to Trafalgar Square. From 3pm until 4pm and free. Nearest tube: Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus. For more information and the rules, visit World Pillow Fight Day website.
- 7 – 9 April : Wonder Street Fair at Barbican Centre
Open your mind and expand your knowledge with this three day fair, featuring free performances, interaction, demonstrations and drop-in activities. Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Nearest tube: Barbican. For more information, visit the Barbican website.
- 8 April : Night Safari @ Natural History Museum
A special evening tour of the museum’s Central Hall, where scientists will bring out specimens not usually on show to the public. You can find out about research into extinct organisms and how scientists are working towards preventing the extinction of endangered species. Following the tour, there will be the chance to drink in the Central Hall and chat to the NHM scientists. 7-10pm, door open 6.30pm. Tickets: Non-members £28, members £25. Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD. Nearest tube: South Kensington. For more information, visit the National History Museum website.
- 8 April : Sebastian Faulks in conversation at British Library
The acclaimed author will talk to Steven Gale about his work and influences, with a focus on his novel A Week In December. Tickets: £7.50. British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB. Nearest tube: Euston, or King’s Cross St Pancras. For more information and to book tickets, visit the British Library website.
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